Today begins part of the climax of Holy Week. In church history, this day has been called Maundy Thursday.
This word maundy means commandment. It points to the command Jesus gave after washing his own disciples’ feet.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:14-15)
Jesus knew who he was (see vs3), yet he responded as a servant.
Continue reading
In 2020, hate crimes against Asian Americans rose nearly 150% in 16 of the largest cities in America.
Hate crimes overall decreased by 7% in these 16 cities. But some major surges against Asian Americans in cities such as San Jose, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix.
Continue readingWe’ve been in this pandemic for over a year now.
Lots of debate around masks, large gatherings, business & school closings, etc. And the vaccine question remains front & center during this time.
What do we do with the vaccine? Get it or not? I share some brief thoughts in the video below.
Continue reading
Most of us know that today marks the church’s entrance into the season of Lent. It all begins each year with Ash Wednesday.
It’s a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) centered in the examination of our lives through lament, repentance, and fasting. Perhaps many of our churches don’t regularly engage in these biblical practice. But we know Christ himself did. In all, Lent culminates with the weekend of Good Friday, Silent Saturday, and then Resurrection Sunday (April 2-4 this year).
But many people may ask why participate in Lent? It seems so stuffy and religious, so outdated.
Continue reading
Well, 2021 is off to a fabulous start. I say that with sarcasm, of course.
There is little doubt that we are in a predicament, one that’s been building not just in 2020, nor over the past four years. It’s been unfolding for decades, if not centuries. I’m not sure it’s going to stop. As the old adage goes, “Things may get worse before they get better.”
There are a few things I believe the American (even global) church must engage in to change the trajectory that it’s on. Take them or leave them. But I am convinced they are worth taking up.
Continue reading